Similar to potassium cyanide, sodium cyanide is considered an extremely toxic substance, with just a small amount capable of killing an adult in an instant.
So how can we identify and promptly handle such a situation to save the victim’s life quickly?
What is Sodium Cyanide?
According to Wikipedia, sodium cyanide has the chemical formula: NaCN, and is a highly toxic chemical compound. Immediate medical attention is necessary in cases of cyanide poisoning, as it can lead to death very quickly. Like the similar compound potassium cyanide, NaCN has a smell resembling that of bitter almonds, although not everyone can detect it due to genetic factors.
Just like potassium cyanide, this compound is used for plating or polishing through chemical processes. It is widely applied in the jewelry industry and in gold mining to separate gold from ore.
Sodium cyanide is an extremely toxic substance that can be lethal with just a very small dose.
How Dangerous is Sodium Cyanide?
Associate Professor Dr. Tran Hong Con (Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi) states that sodium cyanide is a highly toxic substance that can be lethal with just a very small dose. Alongside potassium cyanide, sodium cyanide is listed as one of the top poisons in the world.
Typically, exposure to sodium cyanide will result in poisoning even if the affected individual is unaware of their cyanide exposure. The following are signs to recognize, categorized into three stages:
- Stage 1: This is the agitation stage, where the poisoned individual may show signs of anxiety, agitation, rapid breathing, and confusion.
- Stage 2: The affected person will begin to experience convulsions, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and reduced ventilation.
- Stage 3: This is the final stage: muscle tone decreases, reflexes are lost, leading to cardiovascular collapse, low blood oxygen levels, and ultimately death.
If the above signs are detected, the helper should quickly take the sodium cyanide poisoned individual to the nearest medical facility for emergency treatment. This chemical is a rapidly acting poison, and if not treated within 2 hours, it can be fatal. The signs of chemical poisoning need to be taken seriously for early detection and timely treatment to eliminate the toxin.
Cyanide compounds, in general, are extremely dangerous. When exposed to a large amount, the brain and heart will sustain severe damage before death occurs.
How to Provide First Aid for Sodium Cyanide Poisoning?
According to Wikipedia, when poisoned with sodium cyanide, first aid should be administered by providing the victim with oxygen. In workshops where sodium cyanide is used, potassium cyanide is typically accompanied by emergency kits in case of poisoning, which include amyl nitrite, sodium nitrite, methylene blue, and sodium thiosulfate.
Glucose can significantly slow down the toxic effects of cyanide compounds while protecting cells by forming chemical bonds with sodium cyanide. However, it is important to remember that glucose does not have detoxifying properties in cases of sodium cyanide poisoning.
Associate Professor Dr. Pham Due (Poison Control Center, Bach Mai Hospital) warns that individuals cannot manage cyanide poisoning on their own and must quickly go to a medical facility for intensive treatment and antidote administration.
When providing emergency assistance, position the patient safely on their side (with the lower body lying face down and the face turned to one side) if they are having convulsions. Do not let the patient fall. Do not use hard objects to force the victim’s mouth open during convulsions; instead, use soft materials like cloth.
